Fiberglass doors have three major components: the frame, the core, and the skin. The frame is usually made of wood or a high strength composite material. The core is filled with a polyurethane insulating foam for both insulation and soundproofing.
Fiberglass exterior doors are made from two large molded sides that are filled in the center with a polyurethane foam core that insulates the door against extreme temperatures. This manufacturing process makes fiberglass one of the most durable and energy-efficient options on the market.
A solid wood door's surface will remain smooth due to sanding, while a fiberglass door may have an imprinted texture you can feel. Next, check out the bottom and sides of your door. If your door is made of wood, then boards had to be cut to fit together and make up your door.
Yes, Fiberglass Entry Doors Are Solid
They come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, and require less maintenance than other materials.
Carefully make a cut through the paint and all the way to the substrate, If the substrate is shiny and metallic then it is clearly not a plastic (fiberglass). If the door is made of steel it will be magnetic. Therefore, if a kitchen magnet stays put on the door, you know that the substrate is steel.
When properly installed, the solid construction of fiberglass entry doors offers greater security compared to most wooden doors. Fiberglass is extremely sturdy and strong for its weight and won't become weakened from rot or rusted-out areas.
So the major difference is the outer skin of the door. A steel door has a layer of steel which makes up the exterior of the door. A fiberglass door has an outer skin made of fiberglass.
Fiberglass doors work well in almost any climate, even extreme cold and damp conditions. Unlike wood, fiberglass doors do not warp, crack, or rot. And unlike steel, the doors don't rust, scratch, or corrode. Fiberglass is built to last and will not require yearly re-finishing to stay in top shape.
Fiberglass Exterior Doors
In a reasonably protected location, a fiberglass exterior door will never need painting or staining and can last 15 to 20 years. Although it feels lighter than wood or steel, it is extremely durable and features an extremely durable coating that is difficult to breach.
An easy way to do this is to simply open the door. Stand in the doorframe with your back along the hinges. If the hand by the doorknob is your right, it's a right-handed door. If it's by your left, you have a left-handed door.
Yes, fiberglass doors can dent or scratch if someone really tried. But compared to wooden doors or steel doors, they're much more resistant to things that make doors look old.
Use acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy resin paint on your fiberglass door. Try to pick a paint that matches the type of fiberglass for the best results. Do not use oil-based paints because these can damage the door. Fiberglass-friendly paints are often available in matte, neutral, and gloss finishes.
Fiberglass doors and sidelights can be smooth or textured with a wood-grain finish. This material usually does not need to be primed, but painting is required. Premium steel doors are factory-primed and should be painted but not stained.
The price range for a quality, pre-finished installed fiberglass door can range between $1,200 and $2,500. So they're less expensive than wood doors, but a bit more expensive compared with most steel doors.
Fiberglass is a wonderful material. It doesn't break easily and lasts a long time. If your door is too big or long, it is reasonably easy to cut to the dimensions you need. Cutting fiberglass is a simple procedure, but in handling the door, you may need help because some are heavy.
Thermoset resin is commonly used in fiberglass doors, meaning they will set when heat is applied the first time. The material cannot be remelted or reheated, and so you cannot reshape the door.
You can definitely put a storm door over your current fiberglass door. While fiberglass doors are already sturdy enough as it is, a storm door can provide your front door extra protection from the elements, as well as added security for your home.
Advantages of Fiberglass Exterior Doors
Durability – The material never warps, rots or rusts and can stand strong for decades. Performance – The entry system reduces heat transfer and boosts energy efficiency, thereby lowering your energy costs.
Large dog breeds might be able to scratch the fiberglass, so pet parents of these pups may want to consider a fiberglass door that mimics painted wood, as it can be patched and repainted without worrying about filling in exposed grain.
Fiberglass doors have a much higher resistance to weathering than wood and steel, but exposure to sunlight can fade them, as you have discovered. Depending on the fading, you may be able to patch the stain. Before you paint or stain the surface, clean your door properly.
Fiberglass doors are typically more expensive than steel but less expensive than high-end wood doors. But since fiberglass lasts longer and is easier to maintain than wood and steel, many homeowners prefer it. Fiberglass gives homeowners around 75% return on investment.
Do magnets work on fiberglass doors? Fiberglass doors only contain natural minerals and fibers, which is why you will not be able to stick a single magnet on its own on the fiberglass.
Fiberglass also gets dents and dings.
If struck hard enough, the fiberglass might crack. Steel, however, will stand strong in this case. Fiberglass is a material that does not rust with time, making it a longer-lasting option for a front door.